Description
A delicious and wholesome Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe that features tender chicken breasts filled with a savory mixture of chopped broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and mayonnaise. The chicken breasts are seasoned, seared to perfection in an oven-safe skillet, then baked to juicy perfection, making a perfect family-friendly dinner in just about 31 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
Stuffing
- 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped into small pieces
- ¾ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing through the side to create a pocket suitable for stuffing. If the chicken breasts are uneven, gently pound them to an even thickness of about 1 inch for uniform cooking. Season each chicken breast evenly with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder to enhance flavor.
- Stuff and Sear: In a mixing bowl, combine chopped broccoli florets, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and mayonnaise until well blended. Stuff this mixture carefully into the chicken pockets and secure the openings with toothpicks if necessary to prevent the filling from escaping. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat and sear each stuffed chicken breast until both sides are beautifully browned, locking in moisture and developing rich flavor.
- Bake: Once seared, transfer the skillet directly to the preheated oven. Bake the chicken breasts for 15 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is safely cooked through and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Remove the toothpicks before serving. Plate the stuffed chicken breasts hot, pairing them with your favorite side for a complete meal.
Notes
- Make sure not to overfill the chicken pockets to prevent the stuffing from leaking out during cooking.
- To check doneness, use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken breast without touching the cheese filling.
- You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative.
- Ensure the skillet you use is oven-safe to allow seamless transfer from stovetop to oven.
- Leftover stuffed chicken can be refrigerated and reheated within 2 days for best quality.
